Has anyone else noticed how fast the week goes when you have the Monday off? I really can’t believe that it is already Wednesday. Don’t get me wrong, I am not complaining but it sure is going by quick. As a special treat to celebrate this fast moving week, we are going to head to the deep depths of the ocean. Okay, you got me, we were going to the ocean today even if the week was going slow. I want to take all of you on this ocean adventure to learn about the largest recorded Octopus on our planet. Interested? Well, grab your scuba gear and lets go learn about the Seven-Arm Octopus.
As mentioned the Seven-Arm Octopus is said to be the largest octopus species roaming the ocean. Some folks believe the North Pacific Giant Octopus is capable of growing larger than the 4 meter (12′) long, 75 kg (165 lb) Seven-Arm Octopus that was documented. Either way, the Seven-Arm Octopus is one huge creature. This is good since it shouldn’t be too difficult for us to spot them on our scuba trip. 
If you are anything like me, you are probably wondering how an octopus, which receives its name from their eight arms, only have seven arms? Well, this particular species was called the Seven-Arm Octopus since the males modified arm used in egg fertilization (called the hectocotylus) is actually coiled in a sac beneath the right eye. When you look at how much gelatinous material these creatures possess it is very easy to overlook this eighth arm. As a result, you get the Seven-Arm Octopus, but in reality these guys actually do have the full eight arms. It is a good thing otherwise they would be known as a Septopus.
Seven-Arm Octopus Fast Fact – The record holding Octopus was caught in 2002 off the coast of New Zealand and weighed 61 kg. Unfortunately, this was an incomplete specimen and they estimated it to weight 75 kg and measure 4 m long. Not only was this the biggest octopus ever caught but it was also the first Seven-Arm Octopus species caught in the South Pacific. I just love it when an Octopuses hard work pays off and they end up making a name for themselves.
That does it for Wednesday’s deep water Wild Fact. I hope you enjoyed our scuba adventure.
Rich, thanks so much for doing this. Over and over again, I’m astounded by the variety of life forms on this incredible planet of ours.
It really is mind boggling when you think of all of the interesting animals that we share the world with, isn’t it?
This is why I love the animal kingdom!
I did it again, Nathan, called you “Rich.” Either I have to type more slowly or you have to change your name.
hahahaha! No problems, NP! I will change my name for you 🙂
Wow how interesting,could an octopus eat a human?
Hi Hailey,
Great question and you provide me the perfect opportunity to talk about something that I didn’t get a chance to in the post.
The Octopus doesn’t feed on humans, however, the North Pacific Giant Octopus has been known to feed on sharks such as the Spiny Dogfish. Typically they will feed on mollusks, fish, shrimp, etc.
It is interesting to note that some octopuses do have poison which could be dangerous to humans. You still need to respect these beautiful creatures but no need to fear them.
Wow thanks Nathan.:)
I always admired and was a little envious of the octopuses’s arms, be it seven or eight, that would be just perfect for multitasking.
hahahahaha!
You are 100% correct. They must be the best multi-taskers in the world.
This feels like the Emperor’s New Clothes, but doesn’t the top picture have, um, 8 arms?